1 Samuel Chapter 16
God Chooses David
(Psalms associated with this period: 8, 19, 23, 29)
A. Samuel Anoints David as King
1. (1 Samuel 16:1-3)
“And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided Me a king among his sons. And Samuel said, How can I go? if Saul hear it, he will kill me. And the LORD said, Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the LORD. And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will shew thee what thou shalt do, and thou shalt anoint unto Me him whom I name unto thee.”
Samuel had mourned long over Saul’s rebellion and rejection, but now God rebukes him for lingering in grief when His purpose was still advancing. There is a time for mourning, but also a time to move forward in obedience. When God said, “Fill thine horn with oil,” Samuel would have recognized that divine work was still in motion, for the horn of oil represented the anointing of the Holy Spirit upon the chosen vessel of God. The Lord reminded Samuel that no man’s failure can stop His plan, for His purposes transcend the limitations of men.
Samuel’s hesitation revealed a rare glimpse of fear in the old prophet. His concern, “If Saul hear it, he will kill me,” was legitimate, for Saul’s instability had reached dangerous proportions. Yet God gave Samuel a wise course of action—to conduct a sacrifice. This was not deception but prudence. The sacrifice itself was genuine, and through it, Jesse and his sons would be gathered for the anointing of the one God had chosen. As Matthew Henry observed, “It is no lie to conceal a truth that would do harm to reveal.”
When God declared, “For I have provided Me a king,” the language is striking. Saul had been the people’s king, the king they demanded to be like other nations. But now God would appoint a man after His own heart. This transition marks a turning point in Israel’s history: from man’s choice to God’s choice. Israel’s first king, Saul, represented the flesh—tall, impressive, and appealing outwardly. The second king, David, represented faith and obedience, chosen not for his stature but for his heart.
The Lord’s sovereignty shines in this passage. Though the people had rejected Him as their King, He still reigned, providing for Himself a man to accomplish His will. God’s kingdom does not depend upon man’s approval or participation. As Psalm 115:3 declares, “But our God is in the heavens, He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased.” The believer can take comfort knowing that when one leader falls, God is already preparing another. His providence never pauses.
The command, “Thou shalt anoint unto Me him whom I name unto thee,” signifies divine selection, not human judgment. Samuel would not choose by sight or preference, as the people did with Saul, but by revelation from God. The first anointing was “for the people”; the second was “for the LORD.” The pattern remains true in ministry today: God appoints His servants for Himself, not merely for public approval.
2. (1 Samuel 16:4-5)
“And Samuel did that which the LORD spake, and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming, and said, Comest thou peaceably? And he said, Peaceably, I am come to sacrifice unto the LORD, sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. And he sanctified Jesse and his sons, and called them to the sacrifice.”
Samuel obeyed promptly, setting aside fear to follow the Lord’s command. His arrival at Bethlehem caused alarm among the elders, which is understandable given his recent execution of King Agag. The prophet’s presence often signaled divine judgment. Yet Samuel reassured them, “Peaceably,” and invited them to sanctify themselves—to prepare their hearts and cleanse themselves ceremonially for worship.
Bethlehem, “the house of bread,” was a humble town nestled among the hills of Judah, known as the home of Ruth and Boaz, and now it would give rise to Israel’s greatest king and the eventual birthplace of the Messiah. God delights in bringing greatness out of small beginnings. As Micah 5:2 foretells, “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall He come forth unto Me that is to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.”
The sacrificial meal that followed was not a sin offering, but a peace or consecration offering. In such sacrifices, part of the animal was burned before the Lord, and part was eaten in fellowship. This act symbolized communion with God and unity among His people. Jesse and his sons were invited to this sacred fellowship, unaware that one of them was about to be chosen by God for the highest earthly calling in Israel.
Samuel’s obedience here contrasts sharply with Saul’s disobedience in the previous chapter. Where Saul feared the people and acted presumptuously, Samuel feared God and submitted entirely. This is the heart God honors—the one that walks by faith, trusting divine instruction even when the path is unclear. As Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
3. (1 Samuel 16:6–10) God Does Not Choose Any of Jesse’s Older Sons
“And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD’S anointed is before Him. But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature, because I have refused him, for the LORD seeth not as man seeth, for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the LORD chosen this. Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The LORD hath not chosen these.”
When Samuel first saw Eliab, Jesse’s oldest son, he was immediately impressed. Samuel’s words, “Surely the LORD’S anointed is before Him,” reveal that he assumed Eliab’s stature and appearance made him fit for kingship. He saw before him a man who, like Saul, looked the part—strong, tall, confident. Yet Samuel was about to learn a vital lesson from God regarding divine selection.
The Lord corrected Samuel’s assumption, saying, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature, because I have refused him.” Outward appearance may appeal to men, but it is not what determines a person’s worth before God. This rebuke reminded Samuel of Israel’s earlier mistake in choosing Saul for his looks and size. Saul stood taller than all the people, but he lacked the heart to obey God. Similarly, Eliab’s appearance did not reflect his inner disposition. God was not impressed with height or looks, for He seeks faithfulness, humility, and integrity.
The Lord’s statement, “For the LORD seeth not as man seeth, for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart,” declares one of Scripture’s most profound truths. It is both a declaration of divine perception and an exhortation against human superficiality. Even the prophet Samuel, a man of God, was not immune to the natural inclination to judge by sight. Humanity often exalts beauty, charisma, and outward strength, but these are the very traits that can blind the eyes to spiritual reality. The Lord examines what no man can see—the motives, desires, and purity of one’s inner life.
The world prizes the visible, yet God values the invisible. As Proverbs 21:2 declares, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD pondereth the hearts.” Likewise, Jeremiah 17:10 says, “I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” Outward success and talent may gain human approval, but God’s favor rests only upon the humble and the faithful.
One by one, Abinadab, Shammah, and the rest of Jesse’s seven oldest sons passed before Samuel, yet God rejected them all. Samuel said, “The LORD hath not chosen these.” It was not that they were wicked or unworthy in the eyes of men, but they were not God’s choice. Israel had already experienced the sorrow of following a king who looked impressive but lacked spiritual depth. God was now seeking a man whose heart beat in rhythm with His own. As 2 Chronicles 16:9 declares, “For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him.”
This passage reminds us that God’s selection is always based upon His sovereign purpose, not man’s preferences. Eliab and the others may have had all the qualities admired by men of war and politics, but the Lord desired a shepherd boy whose faithfulness in obscurity had prepared him for destiny.
4. (1 Samuel 16:11) Samuel Asks About an Absent Son
“And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him, for we will not sit down till he come hither.”
Samuel, perplexed that God had chosen none of the seven sons, inquired, “Are here all thy children?” He knew that God’s promise could not fail, for the Lord had said, “I have provided Me a king among his sons.” Since the word of God cannot be broken, Samuel rightly assumed that one son was still missing.
Jesse’s response reveals the low regard David held within his own household. He did not even mention David by name, only referring to him as “the youngest.” This omission speaks volumes about how insignificant David appeared in his family’s eyes. He was so unimportant that he was not even summoned to the feast. His brothers were all present for the sacrifice, but David remained in the fields tending the sheep. Yet it was precisely there—in solitude and obscurity—that God had been shaping the heart of Israel’s future king.
As the saying goes, “Those who are overlooked by men are often handpicked by God.” David’s humble station prepared him to depend fully upon the Lord. It was among the sheepfolds that David learned patience, courage, and faith. The quiet hours beneath the stars taught him to sing of God’s majesty, as expressed in Psalm 8:3–4: “When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man, that Thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that Thou visitest him?”
Keeping the sheep was not a glamorous task; it was lowly, dirty, and often dangerous. It required vigilance against wild beasts and thieves. Yet in those lonely fields, David learned the art of leadership through servanthood. He came to understand that sheep need constant guidance, patience, and protection. These lessons would later define his kingship, for he would shepherd Israel with the same heart he once had for his flock. Psalm 78:70–72 later reflects this truth: “He chose David also His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds, from following the ewes great with young He brought him to feed Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.”
David’s faithfulness in small things prepared him for greater things. While his brothers sought honor, David sought the heart of God. His songs of the pasture would become the hymns of a nation, and his private devotion would one day shape the worship of Israel. The Lord often begins His greatest works in obscurity, calling those who seem least likely to succeed. As Jesus later said in Luke 16:10, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.”
Samuel’s command, “Send and fetch him, for we will not sit down till he come hither,” underscores the divine urgency of this moment. Though David was disregarded by men, heaven waited for his arrival. The banquet would not begin until God’s chosen servant stood among them. What a picture of grace—that the one left behind in the fields would soon be standing in the presence of a prophet and anointed by the Spirit of God.
5. (1 Samuel 16:12–13) David Is Chosen and Anointed
“And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him, for this is he. Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren, and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.”
David’s appearance is briefly but vividly described: “ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to.” The term ruddy refers to a fair or reddish complexion, possibly with a healthy glow from spending long hours under the sun while tending sheep. His “bright eyes” (as rendered in other translations) reflected life, intelligence, and alertness. He was handsome, though not majestic like Saul, who had the imposing stature of a king. David had pleasant features, but his appearance alone did not suggest royal authority. God was again demonstrating that true greatness is not determined by outward characteristics but by inward character.
Josephus, the first-century Jewish historian, suggested that David was about ten years old when he was anointed, though most scholars estimate that he was likely between twelve and fifteen. Whatever his exact age, he was still a boy — inexperienced, untested in the world of kings and warriors, yet chosen by God for the highest calling in Israel.
When the Lord spoke to Samuel saying, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he,” it was a moment of divine revelation. Against all human expectation, God pointed to the youngest son, the forgotten shepherd boy, and declared him to be His chosen servant. David’s family saw only his youth and obscurity; God saw the heart of a king. 1 Samuel 13:14 had already explained what made David different: “The LORD hath sought Him a man after His own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over His people.” This heart for God set David apart from his brothers, from Saul, and from all others in Israel.
David’s selection teaches that God’s call does not depend upon age, rank, status, or human recognition. What matters is the condition of one’s heart. To be “a man after God’s own heart” means to desire what God desires, to love what God loves, and to obey what God commands. David’s heart was not perfect, but it was yielded to the Lord. God delights in those who seek Him sincerely rather than those who merely appear religious or qualified by worldly standards.
This also reminds believers that one need not hold a title, position, or public platform to be deeply pleasing to God. Faithfulness in obscurity is precious to Him. David was not seeking a crown; he was simply caring for sheep. Yet in the unseen hours of solitude, singing psalms under the stars, God was shaping a king. David’s heart had been molded through worship, trust, and quiet fellowship with his Creator. His mother likely played a pivotal role in nurturing that devotion, for David twice called himself “the son of Thy handmaid” in the Psalms (Psalm 86:16; Psalm 116:16), showing that she was a woman devoted to the Lord. As 2 Timothy 1:5 notes of Timothy’s faith, so too David’s early spiritual formation likely came from a godly mother who instilled in him a deep reverence for God.
“Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren.” The act of anointing symbolized divine appointment and the empowering of the Holy Spirit for a special task. The oil itself had no power; it represented the Spirit’s presence. From all appearances, this ceremony may have seemed to the family a simple act of blessing or recognition. Yet heaven knew what had taken place. God’s anointing upon David was not merely symbolic—it marked the moment the Spirit of God came upon him with power and purpose.
“And the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.” This phrase marks a decisive shift in David’s life. From this day, God’s Spirit equipped him for the journey ahead—first in the hidden trials of the wilderness, then in the public challenges of battle, and ultimately in the throne room of Israel. Unlike Saul, who had the Spirit depart from him due to disobedience (1 Samuel 16:14), David received a continual anointing of divine enablement. This same Spirit would inspire his psalms, guide his leadership, and convict him in his failures.
Samuel’s role was now complete. “So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.” He did not attempt to manipulate events or advance David’s kingship prematurely. Samuel obeyed God’s command and then stepped back, trusting the Lord to fulfill His promise in His own time. This patience reflected mature faith—Samuel recognized that God’s purposes are accomplished by His power, not by human effort or political maneuvering.
The name “David” appears here for the first time in the narrative, meaning “Beloved” or “Loved One.” His name would echo through the centuries as the greatest king of Israel and as the ancestral line through which the Messiah would come. The Lord Jesus Himself is called “the Son of David” (Matthew 9:27), signifying both the fulfillment of prophecy and the continuation of God’s covenant promise through David’s lineage.
David’s anointing marks the beginning of a new era in Israel’s history. Unlike Saul, who was chosen for his appearance and rejected for his pride, David was chosen for his heart and established forever as the prototype of the godly king. His reign would become the standard by which all future kings of Judah were measured, and his psalms would become the heartbeat of worship for generations. As Psalm 78:70–72 beautifully declares, “He chose David also His servant, and took him from the sheepfolds; from following the ewes great with young He brought him to feed Jacob His people, and Israel His inheritance. So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart, and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.”
B. Saul’s Distressing Spirit
1. (1 Samuel 16:14) Saul’s Distressing Spirit Troubles Him
“But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him.”
The departure of the Spirit of the LORD from Saul marks one of the most tragic moments in his life and in Israel’s history. In the preceding verse, the Spirit of the LORD had come upon David from that day forward; now the same divine presence that once empowered Saul leaves him. The Spirit’s departure signifies that Saul has been officially set aside as king in the eyes of heaven. He would continue to reign outwardly for years, but without the spiritual anointing that gives divine legitimacy to a ruler.
When the Holy Spirit departed, Saul’s protection and spiritual balance departed with Him. Into that void entered a tormenting spirit described as “an evil spirit from the LORD.” The Hebrew term ra’ah here means “distressing,” “troubling,” or “injurious,” not necessarily “morally evil.” This spirit brought agitation, restlessness, and mental torment.
The phrase “from the LORD” does not imply that God personally generated evil. Scripture consistently affirms that “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning” (James 1:17). God is never the author of evil, yet in His sovereignty He may permit evil for judgment or discipline, allowing consequences to unfold when He withdraws His restraining hand. This is what occurred with Saul: as the Spirit of the LORD departed, Saul became exposed to spiritual oppression that previously could not touch him.
In a passive sense, God “sent” this spirit by allowing Saul to reap the result of rejecting the Spirit’s influence. This is consistent with God’s pattern of divine justice seen elsewhere in Scripture. In Romans 1:24, we read that God “gave them up” to uncleanness when men persistently rejected Him. Saul’s pride, rebellion, and disobedience had hardened his heart until the Spirit’s presence could no longer abide with him.
Earlier, Saul had experienced the Spirit’s empowering at his anointing: “And the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them” (1 Samuel 10:10). Yet his repeated defiance — from offering unlawful sacrifices to sparing Agag and the Amalekites — grieved the Spirit. Now, after resisting God’s correction, Saul receives what he effectively desired: independence from God’s authority. Tragically, freedom from God’s Spirit means bondage to another.
Even so, Saul’s state was not irreversible. The same God who withdrew His Spirit could restore fellowship if Saul had repented. God’s mercy always allows room for contrition. But instead of humbling himself, Saul spiraled deeper into jealousy, anger, and madness.
It is worth noting that Saul’s torment was spiritual, not purely psychological. Today such a condition might be labeled mental illness, but Scripture attributes his distress to a demonic influence permitted by God. While it is wrong to assume that all mental suffering has demonic roots—since physiological and chemical factors are also real in this fallen world—there remain cases where spiritual oppression manifests in emotional and mental anguish. The true remedy is not medication or therapy alone but the indwelling peace of the Holy Spirit, who brings deliverance from spiritual torment.
The comforting truth for believers under the New Covenant is that the Spirit of God never departs from those who belong to Christ. Romans 8:9–11 declares, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you... But if the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, He that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you.” Likewise, 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 reminds us, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price.” The indwelling Spirit remains with the believer forever, ensuring we never face such abandonment.
2. (1 Samuel 16:15–17) A Solution Suggested
“And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp, and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me.”
Saul’s servants quickly perceived what Saul himself could not—that his spiritual affliction was not natural but divine in origin. They said, “Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee.” It is often easier for others to recognize our spiritual condition than for us to see it ourselves. Pride blinds a man to his own decay, but those near him often discern what he refuses to admit.
Their proposed remedy reveals an understanding of the power of music upon the soul: “Seek out a man who is a cunning player on an harp.” They suggested the therapeutic use of sacred music to calm Saul’s spirit. This was not mere entertainment; it was an appeal to what we would call worship. They knew that the right kind of music, played by the right kind of man, could usher in peace where torment had reigned. Music was originally designed by God for worship, and when used rightly, it has the power to soothe the heart, elevate the spirit, and even restrain demonic activity.
This recommendation may have also recalled Saul’s earlier experience when he was filled with the Spirit of God in the company of prophets who played instruments (1 Samuel 10:5–10). Perhaps the servants hoped to recreate that spiritual atmosphere of peace and inspiration.
Music carries spiritual influence because it touches the soul directly. It can stir anger, pride, lust, or despair; or it can inspire love, courage, humility, and worship. God designed it as a tool to express devotion and to elevate the heart toward Him. Hence the Psalms are filled with commands such as, “Sing unto Him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise” (Psalm 33:3).
Saul’s servants wisely recognized the connection between the Spirit’s presence and the ministry of godly music. The solution they proposed would soon bring David into Saul’s court, setting the stage for God’s sovereign plan to unfold. Though David was still a youth and a shepherd, God was already orchestrating his path toward the throne.
3. (1 Samuel 16:18) A Man Is Nominated
“Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him.”
Providence now brings David into Saul’s awareness. One of Saul’s attendants had already observed him and spoke highly of his skill, character, and godliness. The servant said, “I have seen a son of Jesse,” indicating that David’s reputation for both music and valor had already begun to spread, though he remained a humble shepherd.
David was described first as “cunning in playing.” His musical ability was not merely natural talent, but refined skill. He had developed his gift through practice and devotion. True worship demands both heart and excellence. While the Lord looks upon the heart, technical skill matters when one is called to minister through music. David’s musical mastery would later express itself in the Psalms, where he combined deep spiritual truth with artistic beauty. As Psalm 33:3 says, “Sing unto Him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise.” Skillful musicianship honors God because it reflects diligence and reverence in the exercise of one’s gifts.
The servant also called him “a mighty valiant man, and a man of war.” This was not a reference to battlefield experience—David had not yet fought Goliath—but to his character. He possessed courage, strength, and discipline, qualities formed through solitude, hardship, and dependence on God while guarding his father’s sheep against predators. The heart of a warrior is cultivated in the secret place before it is proven on the field of battle. This is equally true in ministry, for worship itself is a form of warfare. Those who serve the Lord in worship often face intense spiritual opposition, requiring valor and perseverance to stand firm.
Next, he was “prudent in matters.” David had wisdom beyond his years. He knew how to speak with discernment and when to remain silent, a quality invaluable for service in the king’s court. As Proverbs 16:23 declares, “The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.” Those who lead in spiritual or artistic ministry must learn diplomacy and humility, avoiding contention while promoting unity and peace.
David was also described as “a comely person.” His pleasant appearance was not merely physical beauty but the natural grace that comes from a godly, confident spirit. A person walking closely with God often reflects it outwardly in composure and countenance.
Above all, the defining phrase was “the LORD is with him.” This was the greatest commendation of all. The presence of God marked David’s life more than any talent or achievement. His skill, strength, wisdom, and demeanor all flowed from that single truth—the LORD was with him. This divine companionship distinguished David from every other man in Israel. God’s favor rested upon him because his heart was wholly devoted to the Lord.
4. (1 Samuel 16:19–23) David Enters Saul’s Court
“Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. And David came to Saul, and stood before him, and he loved him greatly, and he became his armourbearer. And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me, for he hath found favour in my sight. And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand, so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”
Saul’s request, “Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep,” shows David’s humility and faithfulness even after being anointed by Samuel. Though destined for the throne, he did not abandon his ordinary duties. He remained where God had placed him, tending sheep until the Lord opened the next door. This patience reveals David’s heart of submission. He understood that exaltation must come from God, not human striving. As Psalm 75:6–7 says, “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another.”
Jesse’s respectful gift of bread, wine, and a young goat reflected customary tribute to a superior, but also symbolized fellowship and goodwill. It demonstrated that Jesse honored Saul’s kingship, even though God had already chosen his own son as the future king.
When David arrived, the Scripture says, “He loved him greatly, and he became his armourbearer.” Saul was drawn to David immediately, perhaps sensing the peace and strength that accompanied him. The position of armourbearer was one of deep trust, for a soldier’s life often depended on the courage and loyalty of the man who carried his armor. God was using these early experiences in Saul’s court to train David for future leadership. Here he would learn royal protocol, military strategy, and the inner workings of governance—all essential lessons for the shepherd who would soon shepherd a nation.
David’s music ministry then began: “David took an harp, and played with his hand.” The instrument was likely a small lyre, similar to an ancient guitar. His melodies were not mere entertainment but worship inspired by the Spirit of God. The power of Spirit-filled music was evident as “Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.” Music sanctified by the presence of God has a spiritual effect that transcends natural explanation. The distressing spirit could not remain where the praises of God filled the air.
Yet behind this peaceful arrangement, divine irony was unfolding. The very man whom God had rejected now found relief through the ministry of the man who would replace him. Saul unknowingly became dependent on David, God’s chosen successor. What looked like a small act of service was, in reality, the beginning of David’s rise to the throne. God was quietly working through obedience and humility, positioning David in the palace long before he wore the crown.
David’s presence brought temporary comfort to Saul, but Saul’s peace would not last. Without true repentance, no outward remedy could cure the inward rebellion that had opened him to torment. Still, this moment revealed the grace of God, who even in judgment provided a means of relief through the ministry of one after His own heart.
